Trick or Whatever
by Ben Dover
published October 2016
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There is a great amount of data available
related to the history of Halloween. It seems
most of the early celebration was initiated by
the Celts prior to 1745. Then it seems the holiday
was adopted, although quite altered, by the
Christian world community.
A myriad of variations
including many types of costumes and
other parties occurred as the result of differences
in the world's societies and beliefs.
Unchristian and even pagan ceremonies have
been associated with this celebration as well.
Certain Christians have included this date, The
eve of All Souls Day, into their number of religiously
based holidays. No mystery is associated
with the Christian celebration, since the
name, itself is a combination of the two words,
"Holy, or Hallowed and Evening". All forms of
societies can take partial credit for the varied
styles and those holidays being proliferated
and carried on.
Masks and carved pumpkins, paper black cats
and bats today are found to be required apparatus
and apparel obtained by our youngsters on
this day. The reason for the costume, or carved
Jack-O-Lantern, is also a mystery to me. But
then I am no longer considered young by any
measure. Many of us old timers have a hard
time understanding such sophistication of practices,
I guess. "A little source of hilarity there".
This is truly a holiday for little ones. In reality,
these little tykes work harder getting a piece
or two of candy than many of us who spend
hours of preparation and getting them ready to
travel from house to house.
"Trick or Treat" is not an imposed threat. I
must laugh a little when I imagine what trick
can be played by a four year old whose mom
or dad is waiting out on the sidewalk, assuring
that their little ones do not fall victim to harm.
Goblins, Ghosts, ghouls, witches, political
aspirants and other types of guys and gals are
among the masked costuming worn by these
wonderful little participants. Bad guy's are
only part of the costuming available however.
Pirates, dancers any other imaginable category
of role aspirant apparel can be found available
for a price from many local stores.
A pleasant memory of Halloween returns
when I recall my own experiences, asking for
"Trick of Treat" while living in California. It
seems we would all walk around to local neighbors,
each of us having a coffee cup and knocking
at doors with our treat requests.
Wow! You'd be amazed at what can be put into a
coffee cup!!!
Have a nice day ...
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